S3, Ep : 8. Decoding the Hand of Irulegui’s Ancient Secrets

S3, Ep : 8. Decoding the Hand of Irulegui’s Ancient Secrets

Author: Spanish Loops October 1, 2025 Duration: 31:13

Hola hola!This is Jorge and Fran again back on Spanish Loops, the podcast where stones, myths, and history collide.

Buckle up, because in our next episode, we’re unravelling “The Hand of Irulegui”.

A recent archaeological marvel from the Basque lands, glowing like a beacon in the darkness of our linguistic past. This isn’t just a statue or relic, it might be the missing clue to where the Basque language came from. Could it be that thissymbol, half myth, half history, holds the key to understanding who the Basques really are?

We’ll take you from dusty excavation sites to the living culture of today, talking while chasing the whispers of Irulegi. What does this hand-shaped inscribed artefact tell usabout language roots, tribal rituals, mythology, and possibly even how ancient Basque words came to life?

We’ll explore competing theories, the controversies, and what it could mean for Basque identity, not just for scholars, but for anyone with Basque blood, heritage, or curiosity.

Expect nothing and all. The secrets from this stone are still hidden somewhere in an excavation, and the moment the artefact's patterns come into view, the breathing hush of hypothesis, clashes interpretation.

Subscribe, share, and get your questions ready…, because the Hand of Irulegi wants to speak!



Join Fran and Jorge, two seasoned tour guides whose enthusiasm for Spain is genuinely infectious. Their Spanish Loops podcast feels like pulling up a chair at a lively tapas bar for a long, meandering conversation. Forget dry recitations of dates and names; here, you get the vibrant layers of a country built on crossroads. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific loop-a theme that could be anything from the haunting history woven into a flamenco verse to the surprising science behind perfect paella. They move seamlessly between the ancient stones of Roman roads and the pulsing energy of a modern Madrid neighborhood, always with a guide’s eye for the telling detail and the human story. You’ll hear about curious traditions, personal anecdotes from the road, and those little-known facts that most guidebooks miss. The aim is to create a rich, sensory experience through your headphones, one that captures the warmth, complexity, and sheer joy of Spanish life. Listening to this podcast is less about passive learning and more about being swept up in a shared passion, leaving you with a fuller understanding and a genuine smile. Fran and Jorge don’t just describe places; they convey the feeling of being there, making every topic, whether grand or everyday, come alive with context and charm.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 230

Spanish Loops
Podcast Episodes
S2, Ep : 74, To tip or not to tip. That is the question. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:50
Hola, Spanish Loops family!We are back with another thought-provoking episode, and this week, we debate into something that affects all of us when we travel... tipping! Ever wondered why tipping in Spain is so different…
S2, EP : 73. Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish cities in Africa. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
Alright, folks, buckle up because this new chapter is a wild one! We’re diving into a part of Spain that’s not in Spain… well, technically it is, but it’s in North Africa. Confused? Don’t worry, they break it all down fo…
S2, Ep : 72. What is "Menu del dia" in Spain. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:03
This week in Spanish Loops, we talk about the quintessential Spanish culinary tradition known as the "Menú del Día." Established in 1965 under a law enacted during Francisco Franco's regime, the Menú del Día was initiall…
S2, Ep : 71. The Incredible Story of Zara. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
This week, we’re discover the amazing rise of Zara, the crown jewel of the Inditex Group. Back in 1975, Amancio Ortega started this venture in A Coruña, Spain, as a tiny dressmaking workshop. Fast forward a few decades,…
S2, Ep : 70. The Ottoman Empire and Spain. Why, When and Where. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:41
In this week’s episode of Spanish Loops, we develop a portion of the fascinating historical connections between the Crown of Castilla and the guerrilla wars against the Ottoman Empire in the 1600s. The 17th century marke…
S2, Ep : 69. Spanish Loops Explores the Canary Islands! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:30
Hola, Spanish Loops listeners! Get ready to pack your virtual bags because in our latest chapter, we're diving into the breath taking Canary Islands. A paradise with a story as fascinating as its volcanic landscapes. We’…
S2, Ep : 68. The Alhambra, Granada. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:03
In our latest episode, we journey to the heart of Andalusia to explore the Alhambra of Granada—a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and a symbol of Spain's rich cultural tapestry. Perched atop the hill, the Alhambra beg…
S2, Ep : 67. Fran's and Jorge's favourite cathedrals in Spain. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:01
Hola Spanish Loopers! Thrilled to announce the latest episode of the "Spanish Loops" podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Jorge and Fran. This week, they're diving into a captivating discussion about their two favorite cat…
S2, Ep : 66. The Caganer and the Catalonian pooping trunk. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
Ladies and gentlemen, Chicos y Chicas, podcast enthusiasts, and curious minds from around the world, let's welcome to a brand-new episode of the electrifying Spanish Loops podcast! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the…
S2, Ep : 65. Spanish Royal Gossip Unveiled! WE ARE IN YOUTUBE!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
Be ready for a captivating new episode of Spanish Loops! This week, Jorge and Fran dig into the fascinating world of Spanish Royalty, sharing the dramatic tales of former King Juan Carlos I. Known as a charismatic leader…